Tuesday, October 21, 2008

What happens at church stays at church!

Young kids have this naivety about them that is so refreshing. So often in the Scriptures we see God use young people to do his work. I am convinced that this is because they are naive. They haven't developed a system of does and don'ts or some philosophy that keeps them from serving God. They haven't developed all the boundaries that determine what is socially acceptable and what is not. They just don't know any better.
As some of you know my daughter recently tried out for the talent show at her school. She decided to do a ventriloquism program which included some conversation about Jesus and the song Jesus loves me. Originally she wanted to do a very serious program about Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. My wife in her wisdom helped Catrina bring some humor to the program. After the tryouts she was asked not to sing a song about Jesus or talk about Jesus.
This morning she is going to show the program to her principal to see if she can do the program with all the Jesus stuff in it. No matter what happens we can all learn a lesson from a naive 9 year old girl. The lesson? What happens at church shouldn't stay there.
Catrina knows Jesus loves her and died on a cross for her sins. She knows that none of us are perfect and that those who do not follow Jesus are going to go to hell. She wants to tell other people about Jesus so they don't go to hell. It's so simple, but we make it so hard. Most of us have developed boundaries with our faith. They are not boundaries that God puts on us; instead they are boundaries our culture puts on us. Our culture wants the things that take place in church to stay in church. God commands us to bring Jesus to our lockers, our class room, and our life. Perhaps we should work on developing that naivety. Maybe it is not boldness we need, but instead the lack of respect for cultural boundaries that keep us from obeying God's commands.
Don't let the world tell you how to live your faith, that is God's job!!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Accidents Happen!!

Last night we had a great student ministry meeting. We had a pretty creative game (I made it up) that fit in with the message of the night. We had a powerful message focusing on the work of Jesus, and we had a good worship time. The accident didn't happen until later though.

We had four students put their faith and trust in Christ last night. One of our leaders took a couple of student out for Ice Cream. One of those students and her brother were headed home late and got in an accident about a mile from the church. By the time I heard, I was already home. I jumped in the car and headed for the accident site.

So many times we (including myself) don't think accidents will happen to us. A few years back I was in a motorcycle accident. I wasn't driving reckless, but I wasn't wearing my helmet either. I was able to walk away with just a few scratches, a sore ankle, and some ripped jeans. I didn't hit anything and the accident was partly due to a mechanical failure. Still, accidents happen!!

Last night could have been worse. The students involved had only very minor injuries. Accidents can happen to any one at any time the question is, are you prepared? I believe and I hope that those two students, had the accident been worse, would have ended up in heaven. If an accident happens to you are you prepared? What if an accidents happens to one of your friends? Have done everything you reasonably could to make sure they are prepared? Those are tough questions, but important ones.